The new owners of a Lombard Street building have hired an attorney to explore the possibility of opening the first (legal) medical marijuana dispensary in the Marina.

Having determined that the United Studios of Self-Defense, a martial arts studio a few doors down from the possible dispensary site at 2414 Lombard Street, does not constitute a school or recreation center, San Francisco’s Zoning Administrator has not noted any conflicts with San Francisco’s Planning Code which would prevent the dispensary from opening.

Not noted in the Zoning Administrator’s report, however, is the fact that the dispensary would be right across the street from the old Edward II Inn which is being transformed from a hotel to 24 units of supportive housing for young adults between 18 and 24 transitioning from foster care.

Recent Articles

Comments from “Plugged-In” Readers

Pacific and Presidio Heights, Cow Hollow, the Marina have not been invaded by these “medical” marijuana stores. There have been failed attempts, but the parents in these neighborhoods have thwarted them, and I expect they will do so again.

That is why they are Mandatory DR hearings. I would think that housing for foster youth would also require it to get greater scrutiny. The young people there will be “learning” how to live as adults since it is not likely they had many opportunities for that from adults to help them throughout their lives.

Please not in the Marina. Why doesn’t the MTA spend their time fixing Lombard Street instead of Polk or Chestnut, which are both vibrant retail streets. The recently floated plan to remove some parking on Chestnut is not necessary. Lombard is the ugliest street on the north side of the city and needs help so that stores like this are not able to locate here.

does anyone have any REAL numbers on negative affects by these stores? i typically find i never even notice them, until later when someone points them out to me. the Apothecarium in the Castro is a good example of how nice and unassuming some of them can be.

Would you want one on outer Sacramento in Presidio Heights? Or upper Fillmore between California and Jackson. How about Union between Steiner and Laguna? I bet you retail owners in those locations would scream to have it stopped.

What do you people think is going to happen? That gangs are going to move in? You still need a license and money to obtain marijuana. It won’t attract the homeless or criminals. Look at the other dispensaries. Look at the stats. Legal dispensaries do not drive up crime in their neighborhoods. They’re just another store, and nicer and better kept than most. Certainly nicer than corner liquor stores which attract a much more unsavory element. You should add those to your crusade.

Comments here are funny, standard misinformation. Believe it or not, there’s many marina folk that have real ailments where this stuff helps. A high-end dispensary done correctly, could be great for our hood. I’m sure that’s hard to believe for so many of you as you medicate each night by downing your apple martinis at any one of the dozens of bars, and then stumble home through our streets. All I ask, that if they do it, I hope they do it right.

Comments here are funny, standard misinformation. Believe it or not, there’s many marina folk that have real ailments where this stuff helps. A high-end dispensary done correctly, could be great for our hood. I’m sure that’s hard to believe for so many of you as you medicate each night by downing your apple martinis at any one of the dozens of bars, and then stumble home through our streets. All I ask, that if they do it, I hope they do it right. Otherwise what? Another subpar restaurant in there? No thanks.

those will real ailments can travel 1 mile to the next dispensary. we dont need that many in SF. anyway, its pretty clear than <10% of people getting med marijuana actually have a medical problem that marijuana can help. These are "get high" clubs. The Marina is too nice to add a new seedy element to the neighborhood. and these "clinics" do bring in unsavory characters. They are very noticeable when you walk by. There are also a lot of tourists in this neighborhood and its pretty embarrassing that SF is catering to drug addicts.

Wow, the hand-wringing on this thread is off the charts. Lighten up, people – it’s a marijuana dispensary. You’d think they were going to be handing out free crack by some people’s reaction on this thread. Does anyone here (besides myself) have a medical marijuana card? Has anyone been inside a dispensary? It’s cleaner and better run than a local Walgreen’s.